Steak ’n Shake, the U.S. burger and milkshake chain, has launched a limited-edition Bitcoin Burger — complete with a Bitcoin logo stamped on the bun. This comes just months after the brand enabled Bitcoin payments at all of its locations.
In this article, we’ll break down what this means, how it works, and why it matters — all in simple terms.
What Is the Bitcoin Burger?
- The Bitcoin Burger, also called the “Bitcoin Steakburger,” includes two steakburger patties, two slices of American cheese, pickles, onions, and ketchup.
- What makes it unique: the top bun is stamped with the Bitcoin logo.
- Customers can order it by itself or as part of a Bitcoin Meal combo, which includes fries and a drink.
- Steak ’n Shake says the supply of this burger is limited, drawing a parallel to Bitcoin’s capped supply.
Why Steak ’n Shake Launched the Bitcoin Burger
- To Deepen Its Connection With the Crypto Community. Since rolling out Bitcoin payment acceptance at all locations in May, Steak ’n Shake has been signaling its commitment to cryptocurrency users. The Bitcoin Burger is a branding effort to reinforce that identity.
- To Drive Sales & Foot Traffic. According to the company, same-store sales rose by double-digit percentages in both Q2 and Q3 of this year. Steak ’n Shake attributes a portion of that boost to enthusiasm from Bitcoin supporters who appreciated the novelty and gesture.
- A Marketing Statement on Crypto Loyalty. The brand recently surveyed its social media followers (about 468,000 on X/Twitter) on whether to accept Ethereum payments. Though the poll leaned toward “yes,” Steak ’n Shake has decided to stick exclusively with Bitcoin, citing feedback from “Bitcoin maximalists.”
How the Bitcoin Payment Option Works
- In May, Steak ’n Shake enabled the ability to pay with Bitcoin at all its locations in the U.S.
- That means customers can use Bitcoin to pay for burgers, milkshakes, and all menu items.
- The process is handled by a payment processor or crypto-payment gateway; the restaurant does not necessarily hold or manage the Bitcoin itself. (Note: this detail is implied rather than spelled out in the original article.)
What Beginners Should Know About This Move
- It’s more marketing than revolution. While accepting Bitcoin is notable, this is primarily a promotional effort to engage with crypto enthusiasts rather than a wholesale shift in how restaurants operate.
- Limited supply = scarcity appeal. The limited availability of the burger is a clever nod to Bitcoin’s capped total supply (21 million). It’s designed to heighten interest and urgency.
- Not all crypto is welcomed. Despite the popularity of other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Steak ’n Shake has chosen to remain exclusive to Bitcoin — likely because of community pushback and branding alignment.
- This doesn’t mean every restaurant will follow. This is still an experiment in branding and payment methods. It doesn’t guarantee other chains will adopt similar moves, but it could inspire them.
Why This Matters (Especially for Beginners)
- It signals increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin — not just as an investment, but as a payment method in everyday retail.
- When a well-known brand ties itself publicly to crypto, it helps normalize the idea of using Bitcoin in real life.
- It’s a concrete example you can point to: you can literally buy a burger using Bitcoin (in this case, in the U.S.).
Possible Challenges & Considerations
- Volatility risk: The value of Bitcoin can swing dramatically. If a restaurant accepts Bitcoin and doesn’t convert it immediately to fiat (USD), the value of what they receive could change.
- Regulation & compliance: Accepting cryptocurrency may involve regulatory scrutiny, tax implications, or accounting complexities.
- Technical issues & fees: Payment processors may charge conversion or transaction fees, or the process might be slower depending on network congestion.
- Customer adoption: Not everyone is comfortable using Bitcoin or understands how to do it — which limits how many will actually take advantage.
In Summary
Steak ’n Shake’s Bitcoin Burger is a creative, symbolic gesture tying food and crypto together. It highlights how some businesses are experimenting with combining branding, marketing, and payment innovation. For crypto beginners, it’s a fun example of how Bitcoin is slowly edging into everyday use — even in the world of fast food.
